For years, rice farmers in Barangay Guilig, Mangaldan, Pangasinan struggled to reach their farmlands, crossing long and muddy paths just to plant and harvest. Now, a long-awaited solution is finally taking shape after construction of a farm-to-market road begins.

“Mahalaga para sana may madaanan kami at mayroon kaming mapagbiladan ng palay namin,” Robert Lopez, a farmer, said.

The Department of Agriculture, the local government, and the barangay have approved a project to build a farm-to-market road connecting Barangays Guilig, Malabago, and Bari.

Initial groundwork, such as soil filling, has already begun.

“‘Yung mga farmer kasi talaga ang kawawa, walang madaanan, mahirap para sa kanila,” Louie Prestoza, councilman of Guilig, said.

The total project cost is expected to reach P3 million. Once completed, the road will not only make it easier for farmers to transport their goods, but it will also serve as an alternate route for public and private vehicles in the area.

“Hindi lang kami dito ang mabebenepisyuhan. Marami, kahit na taga-ibang lugar,” Prestoza added.

Barangay and LGU officials are now coordinating with a few landowners, as parts of the project will pass directly through privately owned farmland.